The Washington Nationals, balking at Bryce Harper’s demands in early talks about a long-term contract extension, now are preparing themselves to be without their All-Star outfielder after 2018, a high-ranking Nationals executive told USA TODAY Sports.

The executive spoke to USA TODAY Sports on Monday only on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly about the negotiations.

Harper, according to the executive, is asking for a record deal that will exceed 10 years in length, and likely pay him in excess of $400 million.

Of course, Scott Boras says there has been no talks beyond arbitration. Yeah – whatever Scott. Sure there hasn’t been.

Cliff Floyd on MLB Network said that the Nationals are just breaking Harper down to get him to return to 2015 form before signing him. Floyd speculated that you don’t let a guy like this walk out of town.

We’re not so sure that’s what is going on here, but it’s a totally peculiar time to break the report. We will update this post as things roll in.